Play With Your Ponytail

That smooth, sleek ponytail you've been sporting almost every day, all summer long, looks great -- it's polished, stays out of your way and, most important, is easy. But you have to admit that it's one other thing, too: Boring. Even if you only pony up for the gym, isn't there a part of you that wants some variation? And if you're wearing the same old pulled-back hair for every event you attend this summer, well, it's high time to mix things up.

Nicole Richie and Jessica Alba have both embraced the braid. Photos: Getty Images

First of all, braids are back in a big way. They've been showing up all over Hollywood, even on the red carpet. Nicole Richie is a total pro at braiding a few strands in the front, then pinning them back into a twist in the back. Notice, these aren't even French braids; just regular ones, but they make a simple hairstyle look like so much more.

Jessica Alba shows a style that can work for even the shorter-haired among us -- a French braid starting a little farther over than your part. Braid it across to the other side and tuck behind your ear or pin back into a ponytail. It'll keep your hair out of your face but make you look super stylish at the same time. One thing to remember -- this shouldn't be too precious. If it's a little bumpy and messy, it only makes it better!

Molly Sims and Abigail Breslin take a plain pony and make it perfect. Photos: Getty Images

If braids aren't your thing, try out some different looks with the front of your hair. By adding a part (and a bit of volume) to the front of her hair, Molly Sims gives her plain pony a red carpet-ready element. You don't have to stick with the center part, though -- play around to see what works for you. Just be careful about making it too slick or stiff -- it should appear touchable (even if it's not).

By pinning her long bangs back and pushing them forward, Abigail Breslin takes her simple ponytail to a much more fashionable level. With a bit of hairspray and some bobby pins (and, of course, a bit of practice), these are both easy to master.

All of this is going to be far easier if you work with your hair type. For example, Katie Holmes' hair has a bit of wave, but is generally pretty sleek. By pulling it back and securing flyaways with a fun headband, Katie brings some interest to her look and adds a little something to it.

Drew Barrymore and Katie Holmes know how to get their hair off their necks without sacrificing style. Photos: Getty Images

And for those of you with the wild hair, I have a piece of advice: Go with it! Take a cue from Drew Barrymore, who has been letting her waves have their way lately. Don't worry about slicking it back or keeping it smooth. For that matter, you can even try adding in volumizing products and doing a bit of teasing to really get some volume going!

Because your hair has volume and body already, it's more likely to hold haphazard styles than your fine-haired friends' hair will, so get creative. Twist pieces around, add in random braids and experiment with clips and barrettes. Forget perfection -- the beauty of your hair lies in its spontaneity, so let it shine!